Multicolor gelatin ribbons and manufacture of soft gelatin products

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a new method and apparatus for making multicolor gelatin ribbons and softgel capsules is provided which uses a modification of the gelatin spreader boxes by incorporating especially designed pipelines that are bifurcated with a tee. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for providing decorative coloring effects such as stripes of desired colors on softgel gelatin products comprising: (a) a second gelatin spreader box, with four sides and a bottom, that can be mounted on the outside of a first gelatin spreader box in any convenient manner; (b) at least one orifice in the second spreader box for the dispensing of decorative gelatin; (c) means to adjust the size of said at least one orifice; (d) a main conduit, with at least one opening within said spreader box, providing passage for said decorative gelatin into said box; an into at least one orifice (e) a means to couple said main conduit with said an external source of decorative gelatin; and (f) a means to maintain the temperature of said decorative gelatin within a desired range of temperature; wherein said at least one orifice is constructed to dispense said decorative gelatin onto a base gelatin flowing from said first gelatin spreader box onto a casting drum surface.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/284,923 filed Apr. 20, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to softgel capsuleshaving decorative and unusual color patterns and to the method andapparatus for manufacturing the same. The instant invention furtherrelates to a paint ball comprising a gelatin capsule defining a closedinterior chamber, and a fill material contained within said interiorchamber, wherein said fill material incorporates a dye. The inventionalso relates to gelatin based textured paint balls and to a process andapparatus for the manufacture thereof. This invention further relates tothe marbleization of materials, and more particularly, to themarbleization of soft gelatin capsules.

[0003] More specifically, the instant invention further provides amethod and apparatus for manufacturing paint balls having unusualcoloring patterns.

[0004] The invention further relates to fragile projectiles and methodsfor forming the same which are typically fired by compressed gas andwhich have an outer shell that fractures in a predetermined pattern todisperse paint contained therein.

[0005] The invention also provides a gelatin ribbon having specialdecorative colored effects formed according to the present inventiveprocess. Alternatively, the instant invention also provides twodecorative colored soft gelatin ribbons to form a completely patternedsoft gelatin capsule, the patterns on each half either being the same ordifferent. A limitless number of variations in the decorative patternsof soft gelatin capsules may be achieved by the process of the presentinvention. Furthermore, the method of the instant invention is easy touse, convenient, does not require elaborate apparatus above and beyondthat required for the conventional rotary die process. Many new andunique decorative patterns for soft gelatin capsules can be made by theprocess of the present invention.

[0006] Additionally, this invention relates to processes for makingnovel target shooting capsules having special decorative effects andhaving a relatively small diameter, and made from nontoxic, soft elasticgelatin capsule.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0007] The use of soft gelatin capsules for marking trees with a markingfluid has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,943. According to the'943 patent, the gelatin capsule has a wall thickness from 0.02 inchesto 0.03 inches and a diameter of about 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches. Thecapsule contains from 0.25 cc to 1.25 cc of marking fluid, generally apigmented liquid such as paint, lacquer or the like, and is useful formarking trees. However, the marking capsule of the '943 patent hasdeficiencies in other applications such as target shooting. Inparticular, the amount and type of fluid in the capsule createdifficulties for use in target shooting. A key problem is caused by thefact that the shape of the capsule is based on the amount of fluidcontained therein. As a result, the capsule is not suitable for targetshooting as it is not spherically shaped. Furthermore, the amount andtype of marking fluid creates a very large splatter mark, around twoinches in diameter which is suitable for trees but useless forcompetitive target shooting. Another problem is that due to the make upof these capsules conventional air guns must be modified to fire thesame.

[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,300 and 6,022,499 teach an apparatus forforming patterned soft gelatin capsules including a first spreader boxand a second spreader box disposed therein, with the first box holding afirst dispensable flowable gelatin mass and the second spreader boxholding a second dispensable flowable gelatin mass with the secondgelatin mass being of a type that is visually distinct from the firstgelatin mass. The first gelatin mass is dispensed through an openingformed between an outer surface of the second spreader box and an innersurface of the first spreader box to form a ribbon whereat the secondgelatin mass is dispensed from an opening in the second box to flow ontothe ribbon to form the patterned gelatin ribbon. Thereafter the capsulesare formed by introducing a fill between a pair of patterned ribbonsbeing conveyed on a pair of rollers.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,635 describes a process for the manufactureof textured softgel capsules, by controllably directing a flowablegelatin mass onto the outer surface of a drum, to form a ribbon ofsubstantially uniform thickness thereon and thereafter passing theribbon between a roller of reduced diameter with a textured surface andthe drum surface while applying sufficient pressure to the roller tocause the textured surface to impart a matching texture on the surfaceof the ribbon, providing a second gelatin ribbon, forming a plurality offilled capsules from the gelatin ribbons with the matching texturedefining the outer surface of at least a portion of each of thecapsules.

[0010] It is also well known to use paint balls in the sport called “WarGames” wherein two or more opposing teams are equipped with gas poweredguns shooting paint balls at each other. When the paint ball strikes anopponent, the paint ball shatters and releases the fill material or“paint” onto the player. In doing so, the player who has been struck bythe paint ball is marked and eliminated from the game. The gameterminates when only one or more members of the same team have not beenmarked.

[0011] Currently, paint balls in the market place are of a single color.Thereby leaving a market for paint balls with a more striking decorativeappearance. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method andapparatus for making gelatin based paint balls and capsules havingunusual coloring which will be eye catching thereby increasing interestand sales.

[0012] The prior art is replete with methods to produce color andpatterns in cast materials to simulate the natural look of marble likeproducts. However, in most instances there is little or no control overthe pattern or its reproducibility. Furthermore, few, if any, of theprior art methods are readily adaptable to automation for consistentproduction of matching articles.

[0013] The line marking in the gelatin ribbon of the present invention,is achieved by modifying the gelatin spreader boxes. With the help ofspecially designed pipelines, a different color gelatin is charged intoa spreader box through a series of conduits, thus creating aninterlinear design in the newly formed gelatin ribbon when the same isdispensed thereon. When a pair of ribbons are filled with paint, dye orthe like, the color lines grow wider creating a degradation thereofresulting in an attractive appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] With reference to the drawings,

[0015]FIG. 1 is a view of the apparatus used to achieve striated lineson gelatin ribbons;

[0016]FIG. 2 shows the two gelatin feeds to spreader boxes;

[0017]FIG. 3 shows the striated ribbon formed by the apparatus;

[0018]FIG. 4 shows the details of the second spreader box including theorifices which the second gelatin color is dispensed;

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a ribbon depicting various shapes and patterns whichcan be applied to ribbons, and

[0020]FIG. 6A and 6B show a gelatin spreader box detailing two differentviews and various possible placing for the injecting orifices.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient,easy to use apparatus and method of using the same for forming ribbonsused in the making of soft gelatin capsules with decorative features.

[0022] It is a specific object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for producing a gelatin ribbon having special decorativeeffects that is in turn useful for forming soft gelatin capsules paintballs, etc. having special decorative patterns. The inventive apparatusincludes a modification of known gelatin spreading boxes byincorporating at least one additional box thereto and introducing adifferent gelatin mass therein by means of specially designed pipelines.

[0023] Other objects and embodiments of the present invention will bediscussed below. However, it is important to note that many additionalembodiments of the present invention not described in this specificationmay nevertheless fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention and/or the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention relates to an apparatus for providingdecorative coloring effects such as stripes of desired colors on softgelgelatin products comprising: (a) a second gelatin spreader box, withfour sides and a bottom, that can be mounted on the outside of a firstgelatin spreader box in any convenient manner; (b) at least one orificein the second spreader box for the dispensing of decorative gelatin; (c)means to adjust the size of said at least one orifice; (d) a mainconduit, with at least one opening within said spreader box, providingpassage for said decorative gelatin into said box; an into at least oneorifice (e) a means to couple said main conduit with said an externalsource of decorative gelatin; and (f) a means to maintain thetemperature of said decorative gelatin within a desired range oftemperature; wherein said at least one orifice is constructed todispense said decorative gelatin onto a base gelatin flowing from saidfirst gelatin spreader box onto a casting drum surface.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for the productionof striated ribbon used in the production of soft gel products by usingthe apparatus described in the above paragraph.

[0026] The invention is also directed to a dispensing system including afirst box for receiving and storing gelatin of one color, said first boxhaving an unobstructed discharge opening at the bottom thereof forspreading a layer of said one color gelatin, a second box receiving,storing and dispensing a gelatin of a second color, said second boxhaving a plurality of spaced discharge openings extending across a widththereof whereby a plurality of spaced second color lines are dispensedonto said first color layer thereby forming a striped ribbon.

[0027] The invention further provides a method of forming a stripedgelatinous ribbon including the steps of discharging material andforming a layer of one color, and discharging a second material of adifferent color into a series of spaced lines onto said layer.

[0028] In a further embodiment the invention also provides an apparatusfor providing decorative coloring effects such as stripes of desiredcolors on softgel gelatin products comprising: (a) a second gelatinspreader box gate, with four sides and a bottom, mounted on the outsideof a main gelatin spreader box and containing a decorative gelatin; (b)means for coupling said second box to a main spreader box containing abase gelatin; (c) at least one orifice in said second gelatin spreaderbox for dispersion of said decorative gelatin; (d) means to adjust thesize of said at least one orifice; (e) a main conduit, with at least oneopening within said second gelatin box, providing passage for saiddecorative gelatin therein; (f) said main conduit, coupled with said atleast one orifice; (g) a means to couple said main conduit with at leastone external source of decorative gelatin; and (h) a means to maintainthe temperature of said decorative gelatin within a desired range oftemperature; wherein said at least one orifice is constructed todispense said decorative gelatin onto a base gelatin flowing from saidmain gelatin spreader box disposed on casting drum surface.

[0029] The invention also provides a system for the production ofsoftgel products having decorative colored patterns comprising at leastone box gate apparatus comprising: (a) a second gelatin spreader box,with four sides and a bottom, that can be mounted on the outside of amain gelatin spreader box and containing a decorative gelatin; (b) meansfor coupling said second box to a main spreader box; (c) at least oneorifice in said second gelatin spreader box for dispersion of saiddecorative gelatin; (d) means to adjust the size of said at least oneorifice; (e) a main conduit, with at least one opening within saidsecond gelatin box, providing passage for said decorative gelatintherein; (f) said main conduit, coupled with said at least one orifice;(g) a means to couple said main conduit with at least one externalsource of decorative gelatin; (h) a casting drum with a surface; (i) ameans to maintain the temperature of said decorative gelatin within adesired range of temperature; wherein said at least one orifice isconstructed to dispense said decorative gelatin onto a base gelatinflowing from said main gelatin spreader box disposed on casting drumsurface.

[0030] A method to produce gelatin products of a base color withdecorative differently colored patterns comprising the use of a box gateapparatus to flow decorative colored gelatin patterns into contact witha base gelatin ribbon wherein said box gate apparatus comprises: (a) agelatin spreader box gate, with four sides and a bottom, that can bemounted on the outside of a gelatin spreader box; (b) a means forcoupling said box gate to said spreader box; (c) at least one orificefor the release of said decorative gelatin; (d) means to adjust the sizeof said at least one orifice; (e) a main conduit, with at least oneopening within said box gate, providing passage for said decorativegelatin into said box gate; (f) at least one injection site, in saidmain conduit, coupled with at least one external source of saiddecorative gelatin; (g) a means to couple said at least one injectionsite of said main conduit with said at least one external source of saiddecorative gelatin; (h) at least one connector tube to provide passagefor said decorative gelatin from said at least one opening of said mainconduit to said at least one orifice; and (i) a means to maintain thetemperature of said decorative gelatin within a desired range oftemperature; wherein said at least one orifice is constructed to releasesaid decorative gelatin to contact with a mass of base gelatin flowingfrom said gelatin spreader box onto the surface of a casting drum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention provides soft elastic gelatin capsules,paint balls, etc. having novel decorative effects such as color stripeswhich are useful as a substitute for standard lead or steel pellets usedin recreational target shooting with small caliber air powered riflesand handguns. The capsules, paint balls, etc. burst on impact therebyallowing for the reuse of targets as no damage is done to the same as inthe case of steel pellets. As there is no ricocheting, safety isincreased in recreational areas. The capsule is produced by a novelapparatus and process with completely nontoxic materials, and will causeno chemical harm if accidentally ingested.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present inventionis designated generally as 1 and is seen to include gelatin tanks A, atemperature control module B, pumping means C, a support member D,spreader boxes E, E and a casting drum F, partially shown, and pipinginterconnecting the tanks, pumps and spreader boxes.

[0033] As seen tanks 16, 17, usually made of stainless steel, are filledwith different types of gelatin and are connected to temperature module15 via lines 50, 51 for controlling the temperature. The gelatin iscaused to flow through pipelines 16, 17, generally made of plastic,having a diameter of one or two inches, by pumps 9 and 11, respectively.The pumps have heating elements and temperature sensors, 12, 12 to keepthe pumps at a constant and sufficient temperature to maintain thegelatin in its fluid state. The sensor and the heaters 12, 12 areelectrically connected to a module 15 by lines 52, 53.

[0034] The pumps 9 and 11 are motor driven and each have aflow-regulating valve and vent (not shown in the drawings) to extractthe air trapped inside the pipeline when the machine is started up.

[0035] The two different gelatins pass out of the pump 9,11,respectively, into stainless steel pipelines 7, 7 having a diameter ofone or two inches. The pipelines 7, 7 are covered with a heating element25 of ferrous tin coated with a fiber-glass shield and are connected tomodule 15 by lines 14,14. The entire pipeline is lined (not shown) witha thermo-shrinkable material. The pipelines 7, 7 include unions in theirmake up and have connectors 8, 8 to connect one heater to the other.These resistance heaters 25, 25 are successively connected to themodules by means of cables and connectors 14, 14. Each pipeline 7, 7bifurcates in a tee 4, 4, respectively, thereby introducing theirgelatin into each of the spreader boxes 3, 3 causing each to be filledwith two different types of gelatin. The spreader boxes 3, 3 are alsoequipped with electrical resistance heating elements, and a temperaturesensor, not shown in the drawings.

[0036]FIG. 2 illustrates how each gelatin color is separately introducedinto the spreader boxes 25, 25. The gelatin that is going to be used asthe base or ribbon exits through line 26 into the tee 4 where it isdivided into feed lines 27, 27 going to each of the boxes 25, 25. Thegelatin that is to be used for line marking or decorative or patternedeffect passes through the line gelatin 23 into tee 4 where it is dividedinto feed lines 18, 18, couplings 24, 24 and into boxes 25, 25.

[0037] These pipelines 18, 18 are wrapped with the same type of heatingelement as described for the above mentioned pipelines and includes adimmer 22 to regulate the current supplied to the resistance heatingelement in order to avoid overheating that may cause damage to theplastic pipelines, or otherwise harden the gelatin, thus obstructing, orclogging the system. This system takes the electrical energy from thealready described gelatin pipeline itself, through connectors and cables20 and 21.

[0038]FIG. 3 shows the main gelatin spreader box 29 and the secondgelatin spreader box 34 mounted on the rear thereof disposed over arotating casting drum 28 with gelatin from the main spreader box 34being dispensed through an opening 32 extending the substantial lengthof the box 29 to form a continuous ribbon 33 on the drum 28 as the samerotates. The different colored gelatin of spreader box 34 is dischargedthrough spaced orifices 37, as seen in FIG. 4 onto the ribbon 33 formingspaced lines 33′, 33′ etc.

[0039] The spreader box 34 can be mounted on box 29 by any suitablemeans and includes an adjustable plate 40 associated therewith forregulating the flow of gelatin through the openings 37, 37 by adjustingthe size thereof. The plate 40 is constrained in flanges 41, 41 for upand downward movement, the movement of which is regulated by knobs31,31.

[0040] Orifices 37 can have any of the symmetrical or asymmetricalgeometrical shapes as shown in FIG. 5, element 39. Their size can varyfrom {fraction (1/64)} inch to ½ inch to a height extending from{fraction (1/64)} inch to 3 inches, measured from the bottom of theorifices, and with a width from {fraction (1/32)} inch to 3 inches.Orifices 37 are in communication with a main feeder orifice 36 fed frominlet 24 whose dimension can vary from {fraction (1/64)} inch to 2inches in an angle going from −89° to 89° as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B,elements 40 and 41.

[0041] The gelatin is introduced into the main conduit 36 at any pointalongside the exterior face of the box 3, and if desired it can have oneor more introduction points.

[0042] During the development of this invention, a great variety ofcolorful effects have been achieved on the gelatin ribbon when changingthe position, the geometry, the shape, the amount of orifices, and theinclination angles of the orifices 37 as well as the injected gelatinflow.

[0043] The instant application shows a detailed description ofparticular embodiments of the invention as described above. It isunderstood that all equivalent features are intended to be includedwithin the claimed contents of this invention.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described with referenceto specific details of certain embodiments thereof, it is not intendedthat such detail should be regarded as limitations upon the scope of theinvention, except as and to the extent that they are included in theaccompanying claims.

What is being claimed is:
 1. A dispensing system including a first boxfor receiving and storing gelatin of one color, said first box having anunobstructed discharge opening at the bottom thereof for spreading alayer of said one color gelatin, a second box receiving, storing anddispensing a gelatin of a second color, said second box having aplurality of spaced discharge openings extending across a width thereofwhereby a plurality of spaced second color lines are dispensed onto saidfirst color layer thereby forming a striped ribbon.
 2. The dispensingsystem of claim 1 wherein the second box has means for securing the sameto said first box with said spaced discharge openings disposed above andaway from said unobstructed discharge opening thereby dispensing aplurality of spaced lines onto said layer.
 3. The dispensing system ofclaim 2 wherein said first and second boxes have means for introducingdifferent colored gelatin therein.
 4. The dispensing system of claim 3wherein said first layer is discharged onto a casting drum.
 5. Thedispensing system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of spaced openingsare formed of common shapes and sizes.
 6. The dispensing system of claim3 wherein a common passageway communicates with said plurality of spacedopenings for introducing said second color gelatin therein.
 7. Thedispensing system of claim 3 wherein said first and second boxes eachhave additional openings and a cartridge heater disposed in eachthereof.
 8. The dispensing system of claim 3 wherein said plurality ofspaced openings are slanted downward to facilitate the discharge ofgelatin thereout.
 9. A method of forming a striped gelatinous ribbonincluding the steps of discharging material and forming a layer of onecolor, and discharging a second material of a different color into aseries of spaced lines onto said layer.
 10. The method of claim 9wherein said layer is formed by providing a box for receiving andstoring said material and dispensing material from the bottom thereof,and wherein said series of spaced lines are formed by providing a secondbox with a plurality of spaced openings and discharging materialtherethrough onto said layer.
 11. The method of claim 10 furthersecuring said second box onto said first box and disposing the spacedopenings above said bottom opening of said first box.
 12. The method ofclaim 11 and further providing material-introducing means into saidfirst and second boxes.
 13. The method of claim 12 and further providinga casting roller for receiving said layer.
 14. An apparatus forproviding decorative coloring effects such as stripes of desired colorson softgel gelatin products comprising: (a) a second gelatin spreaderbox gate, with four sides and a bottom, mounted on the outside of a maingelatin spreader box and containing a decorative gelatin; (b) means forcoupling said second box to a main spreader box containing a basegelatin; (c) at least one orifice in said second gelatin spreader boxfor dispersion of said decorative gelatin; (d) means to adjust the sizeof said at least one orifice; (e) a main conduit, with at least oneopening within said second gelatin box, providing passage for saiddecorative gelatin therein; (f) said main conduit, coupled with said atleast one orifice; (g) a means to couple said main conduit with at leastone external source of decorative gelatin; and (h) a means to maintainthe temperature of said decorative gelatin within a desired range oftemperature; wherein said at least one orifice is constructed todispense said decorative gelatin onto a base gelatin flowing from saidmain gelatin spreader box disposed on casting drum surface.
 15. Anapparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said at least one orifice isof any geometrical form and size.
 16. An apparatus as described in claim15 wherein said at least one orifice has a span of up to three inches.17. An apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said means to adjustthe size of said at least one orifice is a gate lifting system.
 18. Anapparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said at least one opening hasa span of up to two inches in any non-horizontal direction possible. 19.An apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said at least one externalsource of decorative gelatin is in communication with said secondgelatin spreader box that releases said decorative gelatin by a pipelinethat is coupled to said main conduit at said injection site external tosaid second box.
 20. An apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein saidsoftgel products are capsules.
 21. An apparatus as described in claim 14wherein said softgel products are ribbons.
 22. A system for theproduction of softgel products having decorative colored patternscomprising at least one box gate apparatus comprising: (a) a secondgelatin spreader box, with four sides and a bottom, that can be mountedon the outside of a main gelatin spreader box and containing adecorative gelatin; (b) means for coupling said second box to a mainspreader box; (c) at least one orifice in said second gelatin spreaderbox for dispersion of said decorative gelatin; (d) means to adjust thesize of said at least one orifice; (e) a main conduit, with at least oneopening within said second gelatin box, providing passage for saiddecorative gelatin therein; (f) said main conduit, coupled with said atleast one orifice; (g) a means to couple said main conduit with at leastone external source of decorative gelatin; (h) a casting drum with asurface; (i) a means to maintain the temperature of said decorativegelatin within a desired range of temperature; wherein said at least oneorifice is constructed to dispense said decorative gelatin onto a basegelatin flowing from said main gelatin spreader box disposed on castingdrum surface.
 23. A system as described in claim 22 that furtherincludes a. gelatin; b. at least one gelatin tank with at least oneinlet, at least one outlet, and a means for maintaining temperaturecontrol; c. a source of said base gelatin that is of a desired basecolor; d. at least one source of said decorative gelatin that is of atleast one different color; e. optional additional spreader boxes; and f.pipelines for the distribution of said gelatin.
 24. A system asdescribed in claim 23 that further includes means to open and close saidat least one outlet and said at least one inlet wherein said at leastone gelatin tank is a tightly sealed tank when all of said at least oneinlet and said at least one outlet are closed.
 25. A system as describedin claim 23 wherein said at least one gelatin tank is made of stainlesssteel.
 26. A system as described in claim 22 that further comprises ameans for supplying said gelatin from said at least one gelatin tank toflow through said pipelines.
 27. A system as described in claim 26wherein said means for supplying said gelatin is a pump.
 28. A system asdescribed in claim 27 wherein said pump comprises a 0.75 kwmotor-reductor 10 capable of working at constant speed, two heatingelements, and a temperature sensor.
 29. A system as described in claim26 wherein said means for supplying said gelatin is two or more pumps.30. A system as described in claim 26 wherein said means for supplyingsaid gelatin is gravity.
 31. A system as described in claim 26 whereinsaid means for supplying said gelatin is injection under pressure insaid tightly sealed tank.
 32. A system as described in claim 26 whereinsaid surface of said casting drum is kept at a lower temperature thansaid gelatin.
 33. A system as described in claim 32 that furthercomprises lubricating rollers, a heated wedge, and a rotating die.
 34. Asystem as described in claim 27 that further comprises a means toextract air trapped inside said pipelines.
 35. A system as described inclaim 34 wherein said means to extract air is a flow regulating valve insaid pump.
 36. A system as described in claim 22 wherein said pipelinesare stainless steel with a diameter of about one to two inches, arecovered with a heating element, and are lined with a thermo-shrinkablematerial.
 37. A system as described in claim 36 wherein said heatingelement is of ferrous tin coated with a fiberglass shield.
 38. A systemas described in claim 22 wherein said means for coupling said box gateto said spreader box comprises male and female couplings.
 39. A systemas described in claim 22 wherein said means for maintaining temperaturecontrol is a PID temperature control mechanism.
 40. A method to producegelatin products of a base color with decorative differently coloredpatterns comprising the use of a box gate apparatus to flow decorativecolored gelatin patterns into contact with a base gelatin ribbon whereinsaid box gate apparatus comprises: (a) a gelatin spreader box gate, withfour sides and a bottom, that can be mounted on the outside of a gelatinspreader box; (b) a means for coupling said box gate to said spreaderbox; (c) at least one orifice for the release of said decorativegelatin; (d) means to adjust the size of said at least one orifice; (e)a main conduit, with at least one opening within said box gate,providing passage for said decorative gelatin into said box gate; (f) atleast one injection site, in said main conduit, coupled with at leastone external source of said decorative gelatin; (g) a means to couplesaid at least one injection site of said main conduit with said at leastone external source of said decorative gelatin; (h) at least oneconnector tube to provide passage for said decorative gelatin from saidat least one opening of said main conduit to said at least one orifice;and (i) a means to maintain the temperature of said decorative gelatinwithin a desired range of temperature; wherein said at least one orificeis constructed to release said decorative gelatin to contact with a massof base gelatin flowing from said gelatin spreader box onto the surfaceof a casting drum.
 41. A method as described in claim 40 that furthercomprises the steps of: a. providing at least two colored gelatins; b.putting each colored gelatin of said at least two colored gelatins intoa corresponding gelatin receptacle dedicated for said each coloredgelatin; c. maintaining gelatin temperature control as needed; d.supplying the first of said at least two colored gelatins to saidspreader box as said base gelatin; e. supplying at least one of theothers of said at least two colored gelatins to said box gate as saiddecorative gelatin; f. flowing said base gelatin out of the bottom ofsaid spreader box onto said surface of said casting drum that has alower temperature than said base gelatin; g. simultaneously flowing saiddecorative gelatin through said at least one orifice in said box gateinto contact with said base gelatin flowing toward said casting drum; h.rotating said casting drum during the production of said gelatinproducts; i. allowing said decorative gelatin to partially mix with saidbase gelatin; and j. allowing said rotating casting drum to drag aportion of said base gelatin with decorative gelatin to said surface ofsaid casting drum to form a solidified gelatin ribbon of a base colorwith a decorative pattern of at least one other color.
 42. A method asdescribed in claim 41 that further comprises the steps of: a. passingsaid gelatin ribbon through a set of lubricating rollers; b.impregnating said gelatin ribbon with mineral oil as said gelatin ribbonpasses through said lubricating rollers; c. sliding said gelatin ribbonover the surface of said heated wedge to partially melt said gelatinribbon; d. optionally injecting a filler material for gelatin capsulesinto the cavities of a rotating die roller in which said gelatin ribbonis formed into gelatin capsules of one color with said decorativepattern of at least one other color.